SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Officials from Chatham Area Transit (CAT) and the Savannah Police Department (SPD) spoke with News 3 following two violent incidents reported on buses within the span of a week.
The first attack was on June 16, according to a report from SPD. The suspect, 40-year-old Brandon Collier, attacked three people.
The second incident occurred on June 21, when a bus passenger allegedly assaulted another passenger with a dagger-style knife. These events have caused concern for CAT Interim Executive Director and CEO Stephanie Cutter.
“Any time a citizen or an employee is injured, it weighs heavily on us,” Cutter stated. “There is always the question of what we can do better to prevent such occurrences.”
Cutter said they are always working to improve their technology and training for violent scenarios.
“Whether it’s cameras, buttons or barriers, and having that strong relationship with SPD so that that communication is right on the spot,” Cutter said. “Also, staff training and development to teach them about de-escalation and what to do if you see or witness something that just doesn’t seem quite right, you don’t take a chance.”
Cpl. Joshua Flynn said the department is listening to concerns and changing patrols. Flynn said bus riders can help themselves by being mindful of their surroundings.
“The big thing that we want people to just pay attention to is situational awareness, making sure that they account for the items they have with them, avoid carrying excess baggage or things with you just so you’re moving around lightly, not having too much to worry about,” Flynn said.
CAT officials said they are continuing to advocate for better driver protections, such as a more secure barrier around the driver’s seat.
Mayor Van Johnson spoke about the incidents in his weekly press conference Tuesday.
“Our drivers are really well skilled and trained about how to handle those eventualities,” Johnson said. “We’re hoping this is the exception, not the rule. We’re not going to tolerate that.”
